Enrique to wait on Messi

Nov 21, 2015- Barcelona have left it late to decide whether Lionel Messi will be included in the squad to face Real Madrid in the much-awaited La Liga clash late Saturday at Santiago Bernabeu.

Luis Enrique says no decision has been made on whether he will start but he says the signs are positive following Messi’s efforts in training. Enrique added that the team knows that “he’s not going to be 100 percent fit” but that “it’s great for us he’s back”.

“Whether he plays or not is down to the coach, the medics and how he feels but he has been looking sharp in training”.

With Barca three points clear at the top, the pressure is firmly on Real to find a way of stopping the trio that have been dubbed “MNS”. He has about five expected assists, and no one else in the league is credited with more than four. “He has the capacity to score a lot of goals, he has my absolute confidence that he will score a lot of goals and he is a guarantee and he will do that”.

Only two La Liga matches are viewed keenly by the world with interest and that is Real Madrid taking on Barcelona home and away in league matches and cup competitions.

“We need to dominate the possession and not just create goalscoring chances but take them, too”, Iniesta said.

Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 2 – The hosts will have trouble scoring; Cristiano Ronaldo is in a funk, probably contract-related, and Karim Benzema has been distracted by legal wrangling, and no one expects Gareth Bale to make a difference.

Barcelona is now leading Real Madrid in the La Liga standings by three points heading into the weekend with 27 points overall this season.

Sevilla travel in the wake of their fine win over Real Madrid, while Real Sociedad coach Eusebio Sacristan makes his debut following the sacking of David Moyes.

“This is the second time we’ve got everyone available”, Benitez said. At the same time, a few of Real Madrid’s early season form may not be fully sustainable. The Catalan side were given two penalties that day and Sergio Ramos saw red for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. “There’s been a big development in all aspects, and now I think it’s hard to see Barcelona without him”, Adriano said of his compatriot.